TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Frozen are two popular options to consider. The Gold Pink is highly regarded for its 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a swift and effortless typing or gaming experience. Additionally, the Gold Pinks offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, providing a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen stands out for its exceptionally quiet sound profile. Alongside its silence, these switches are remarkably smooth and have a cushioned feel, adding to the overall typing experience. The Silent Frozen is perfect for individuals who prefer a more subdued typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and TTC Silent Frozen switches both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects from both the Gold Pink and Silent Frozen switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Gold Pink switch utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen switch sticks with polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and resonant sound. Therefore, while the Gold Pink switch may offer a deeper and duller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, the Silent Frozen switch will provide a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, users can expect variations in sound profile and typing experience depending on whether they use the Gold Pink with its nylon bottom housing or the Silent Frozen with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force are both relatively light for both switches. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. These forces are quite similar, with the Gold Pink being slightly lighter in actuation force and slightly heavier in bottom out force. However, the differences are minimal and may not significantly impact the typing experience. Both switches provide a relatively light and responsive feel when triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The actuation and bottom out forces of these switches are well-matched, resulting in similar results in terms of the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Gold Pink falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a decent depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Frozen is a bit shallower, which some gamers may prefer for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance and quicker response, the Silent Frozen would be the better option. However, if you prefer a greater depth and a more solid feel, the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both options can provide satisfying results, depending on individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Pink switches are best described as clacky. They offer a satisfying level of feedback and produce a distinct sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the TTC Silent Frozen switches can be described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. They produce a deep, rich, and softer sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink switches have multiple descriptors that capture their qualities. They are often described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger strain and fatigue. They offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a gentle resistance and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the TTC Silent Frozen switches have descriptors like creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. They also offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. The keys effortlessly melt into each keystroke, providing a silky sensation.
Considering the available information, the TTC Gold Pink switches are known for their light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, while the TTC Silent Frozen switches offer an extremely quiet sound profile with a pillowy type feel. Both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, utilizing low actuation forces. If sound and feel are key factors for the newcomer, the choice would ultimately depend on their preference. If they prefer a clacky sound and a light yet lively typing experience, the Gold Pink switches would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if they prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile and a silky typing feel, the Silent Frozen switches would be more suitable. Regardless of the choice, similar results can be achieved in terms of smoothness and light actuation force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switches, consider your priorities in terms of typing experience. If you value a fast and effortless typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback, the Gold Pink switches are the way to go. These switches are light and lively, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, if silence is your main concern, the Silent Frozen switches are the better option. Characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile, they also provide a super smooth and pillowy typing feel. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of 45 grams and 43 grams respectively, so it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a clacky sound accompanied by a buttery and mild typing experience with the Gold Pink, or a thocky and creamy typing experience with the Silent Frozen, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches and find the one that suits your typing style and preferences the best.
Mentioned in this article
